Chukars Ball Game

Some neighbor friends of ours invited us out to a minor league Idaho Falls Chukars ball game. The only baseball games I've watched have been tee-ball and coach pitch for little kids, besides the softball I played as a teenager at church. It was a lot of fun watching in the bleachers, singing, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and watching the players. There wasn't much going on during the first few innings, but it was a good opportunity to re-learn the rules of the game. The other team, Billings, scored three times over the next few innings, but then our young boys hit a couple of home runs and brought in a couple other runners in the bottom of the 7th inning. Feet stomping, we cheered for the team. There's nothing like the crack of a ball against the bat. A few balls went over the bleachers, so we joked about the dented cars and cracked windshields in the parking lot, but the couple who brought us drove us home in their car they'd parked hidden behind a bus for protection. Clips of "Field of Dreams" and "Sandlot" popped through my mind as we watched. "If you build it, they will come." Thanks for the tickets!

Summer Eats

Along with several of Zak's co-workers, we went  to Big Jud's Burgers, of Travel Channel's Man v. Food fame. They  have 1 lb., 2 lb., and up to a 4 lb. burger with a platter of fries. Zak and I each ordered the 1-pounder meal. I cut it into quarters, and made it through half. I can only handle a few fries at a time, so I transferred handfuls of fries onto Zak's platter, which I regretted when he attempted to eat the entire meal to make it onto the Wall of Fame. I took a few fries back, but Zak ventured on, finishing his one-pounder and grease-soaked fries. I managed an ice cream cone after my half-pound burger, which was delicious. When I was little, my parents would take us to central/southern Utah to visit family. We'd usually stop in Ferron, UT at this little diner with a wall of fame board for their large burger. We never attempted, and now Zak has conquered!

I've also had a lot of fun with the teenage girls in our church congregation, with whom I volunteer. We got to decorate some tasty cupcakes and help with the watermelon eating contest at our Pioneer Day Picnic.

I was the caller, to get some people to the watermelon stand. After dinner, Zak went up against one of the missionaries, who apparently can hold his own with food, because with the challenge to eat four slices of their choosing, leaving as little red or pink as possible, the Elder won. Some other enjoyable Pioneer Days have been spent with congregations playing corn hole in Kentucky, as well as the kids having a cardboard handcart and wagon parade in Ohio.

I'm a Mormon Profile

While weeding my "garden," which is technically the rose bushes my landlord planted along our sidewalk, the missionaries from my congregation stopped by and invited me to create a profile on mormon.org. I love getting on there and watching the videos. I've sat there watching them for hours, because they just make me feel so good. I created my profile, which isn't nearly as impressive as any of those with a video, but it shares some experiences. http://mormon.org/me/9BXT/Nicole

I've been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life, baptized at 8-years-old, with a pioneer heritage that came west with the Saints shortly after the church was restored. I've learned about some other religions, and am just impressed with how many truths are found throughout the world. We believe that Christ established His church on the earth when He came to atone for each one of us. He had apostles and leaders, but after Christ was resurrected, and then returned to Heaven, there was wickedness, and the apostles were killed, and the priesthood keys they held were taken from the earth. Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He brought the fulness of Christ's gospel and church back to the earth, with latter-day prophets. The priesthood keys have been restored, and each individual can know for him or herself. Everyone can receive personal revelation, and receive help with struggles we have.

Some of the sisters I met on my mission!

Some of the happiest times in my life are when I get to talk about the gospel and share my testimony of these restored truths. One thing I learned while I was a missionary was that the scriptures, including the Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other books, can really answer questions that we have about our families, marriages, priorities, and our eternal purpose.

If you do have any questions, check out mormon.org, The Holy Bible, and The Book of Mormon. Don't be afraid to ask Heavenly Father about your life. I know He and Jesus Christ care about each one of us, and have made it possible to repent and start over anew whenever we need to make changes in our lives.

Sunburnt Helicopter Day

 Zak and I attended his summer work party, where we got properly sunburnt and rued the day we didn't where sunscreen. At least all of that time waiting in the line under the sun allowed me to get my moustache. That's a rose between me lips. Zak had submitted lots of ideas at work, and won a ride in the helicopter. It fit six passengers, who got to squeeze together, as well as the pilot. Pleased to say no heads were chopped off in the process of loading and unloading the heli.  We had a lot of fun eating food and snow cones throughout the day, and I got to meet more of Zak's co-workers.

Yes, that is money attached to sheep, chased by children.

Pigs!

Cassie and Nathan

 After a year of dating and getting to know each other, lots of time spent working and planning, my sister married her sweetheart. Zak and I drove down to be with family to see the marriage and sealing performed in the LDS Temple. I love going to weddings, especially with my sweetheart. My sister, Cassie, has done a great job taking care of herself, and has lost quite a bit of weight over the last few years. She looked gorgeous in the dress she picked and customized. Nate looked pretty dapper himself. I'm grateful his family has welcomed her into their lot with open arms. These two have similar personalities and tastes regarding many things, and now they're stuck together for the glorious centuries to come.

Nathan's parents put on a luncheon after the sealing, and then we prepared for the reception. These two are all about Disney, and Tangled holds a special place in their hearts. Cassie chose some Chinese lanterns to hang with fishline above the tables and around the room. They turned out beautifully, but as suspected, they soon became the entertainment. If ever you want to keep a table full of people occupied, get a good tetherball match going with a floating lantern.

Over the weekend, we also watched several Olympic events, which reminded me of the Vancouver Olympics Zak and I watched on t.v. before he asked me on our first date.

Tia, Mom, Me, Grandma

Lots of friends and family came to support Cass and Nathan

Zak and I had fun at the wedding!